Francis Xavier Ryan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Francis Xavier Ryan, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the U.S.S. HARDER (SS-257), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 March 1944 to 20 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific Area. On 1 April 1944, during that war patrol, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Ryan served as a member of a volunteer rescue team dispatched from the HARDER to an enemy held island to rescue a naval aviator whose plane had been shot down. Although fully aware that unforeseen circumstance might result in the forced abandonment of the entire party, Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Ryan courageously fought his way through the breakers and a coral reef despite dangerous hostile sniper fire and locating the exhausted aviator, succeeded in bringing him back to Harder. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 331 (October 1944)